Writing Decimals as Percents
Converting a decimal to a percent means asking how many hundredths the decimal represents, then expressing that as a percentage. In Grade 6 Saxon Math Course 1 (Chapter 8: Advanced Topics in Geometry and Number Operations), students move the decimal point two places to the right and append a percent sign. For example, 0.45 becomes 45%, and 0.7 becomes 70% (add a placeholder zero first: 0.70 → 70%). Since percent means per hundred, multiplying by 100 is equivalent to shifting two places right. Students also reverse the process: to convert a percent to a decimal, move two places left.
Key Concepts
Property To convert a decimal to a percent, shift the decimal point two places to the right and add a percent sign (%).
Examples $0.12 = \frac{12}{100} = 12%$ $0.8 = 0.80 = \frac{80}{100} = 80%$ $0.05 = \frac{5}{100} = 5%$.
Explanation This is the ultimate shortcut! To turn a decimal into a percent, just slide the decimal point two spots to the right and slap a percent sign on the end. It's like the decimal is doing a quick dance move to become a percent. Remember that 0.12 becomes 12.0, so it’s 12%. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
Common Questions
How do you convert a decimal to a percent?
Move the decimal point two places to the right and add a percent sign. For example, 0.45 → 45% and 0.08 → 8%.
Why do you move the decimal point two places to convert to percent?
Percent means per hundred. Moving two places right multiplies by 100, expressing the number as hundredths with a % symbol.
Convert 0.7 to a percent.
Add a placeholder zero: 0.70, then move the decimal two places right: 70%.
How do you convert a percent back to a decimal?
Move the decimal point two places to the left. For example, 35% → 0.35 and 8% → 0.08.
What is 0.125 as a percent?
Move the decimal two places right: 0.125 → 12.5%.